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Back to topIf you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger or considering suicide, call 911 or 988.
What is mental health?
Mental health is a component of behavioral health that includes our emotional, psychological and social health. Mental health affects how we think, feel and act. Mental health distress and disorders impact a person's ability to function. Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Mental health issues can affect the way children learn, act and handle emotions which can impact life at home, school and more.
Mental health challenges can affect anyone. In 2023, 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition (National Survey of Children’s Health). On the 2021 Iowa Youth Survey, a bi-annual survey of Iowa youth in grades 6, 8 and 11, between 27% and 36% of students, depending on the grade, reported they had felt “so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row” that they stopped doing some usual activities.
People can experience positive well-being even if they are living with a mental health condition and people who don't have a mental health condition may still face challenges to their mental health. Having access to support and treatment that helps to manage symptoms along with the presence of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments can help.
About Mental Health - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an approved course designed to teach parents, family members, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and other caring adults about (1) the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, (2) the importance of early intervention, and (3) how to help an adolescent experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. For more information contact Nancy Hunt at nancy.hunt@iowa.gov or 515-326-1031.
Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all ages.
Facts about Suicide - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Back to topRelated Pages
Learn more about school requirements for behavioral health
Behavioral Health Screening & Telehealth
Back to topCommunity Resources
Find a Mental and Behavioral Health Facility, Provider or Service
Research shows that intervention at the earliest signs of mental illness can minimize symptoms and improve the quality of life for the person afflicted.
- Learn more about children's mental health and find resources at Your Life Iowa.
Additional Resources
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration